Cottey Exceeds $35 million Campaign Goal

Dr. Judy Rogers, president of Cottey College, is pleased to announce A Defining Moment: The Campaign for Cottey College, launched in September 2009, has topped the five-year, $35 million goal. As she announced at the Convention of International Chapter of the P.E.O. Sisterhood in Dallas, Texas, today, the College has raised $36,207,273.90, through the combined efforts of volunteers, led by Barbara Andes, campaign chairman, and Cottey staff, led by Carla Farmer, campaign manager.

“P.E.O.s, alumnae, and friends of the College have risen to the challenge for our largest fundraising effort ever,” said Dr. Rogers, addressing delegates at the convention. “Through their contributions to A Defining Moment, they have changed the lives of women, both now and for years to come. We thank them for their vision, commitment, and generosity.”

“Our donors recognize the commitment and vision of Cottey College as well,” continued Dr. Rogers. “We have worked diligently to position the College as a model for women’s education. From our leadership programs, to the addition of select four-year degree programs that each contain the threads of women’s leadership, social responsibility, and global awareness, we are prepared to send the next generation of women leaders out into the world.”

Although the overall goal of the campaign has been exceeded, the funding for a new Fine Arts Instructional Building (FAIB), one of the five priorities of the campaign, is still short of the funding needed to begin construction.

“While we celebrate the achievement of this extraordinary accomplishment, we also recognize a remaining challenge,” continued Dr. Rogers. “Now is the time to unite our fine arts programs under one roof. A fine arts instructional building will promote collaboration, creativity, and enrich the quality of a Cottey education.”

“Everyone, from alumnae to friends of the College, is excited to be a part of this successful endeavor,” said Barbara Andes, campaign chairman. “Like me, our donors believe in supporting education for women, and they believe in Cottey College. Their generosity has demonstrated this commitment over the last four years. I am confident we will raise the remaining funds needed for the fine arts instructional building, just as we did for the overall goal.”

“Philanthropic giving at Cottey has never been higher,” said Judyth Wier, vice president for institutional advancement. “The success of A Defining Moment demonstrates significant momentum at Cottey. The fact that we topped the $35 million goal before the end of the campaign shows the trust that Cottey alumnae, P.E.O.s, and friends place in this institution. We understand the immediate need for the critically important fine arts building, and our efforts to complete this project will continue. The campaign does not end until January 31, 2014. There is still time to support this defining moment for Cottey College.”

Founded in 1884, Cottey College is an independent, college for women offering two-year and selected four-year degree programs. Located in Nevada, Missouri, Cottey’s residential student capacity of 350 students typically represents 40 states and 20 countries annually. Cottey is owned and supported by the P.E.O. Sisterhood, an international women’s organization of approximately 250,000 members making Cottey the only nonsectarian college in the United States owned and supported by women for women.